SHARKS have fought off competition from Irish rugby giants Munster to keep French full-back Julien Laharrague at the Stockport club.

Brought to Edgeley Park as a short-term signing in March, Laharrague is one of three new signings announced by Sharks yesterday (Tuesday).

The other newcomers are 29-year-old centre Rudi Keil and prop Benoit Bourrust, from Auch.

Twenty-eight-year-old Laharrague, who joined from Perpignan, has played five matches for Sharks since he was drafted into the squad to help boost the team's flagging fortunes.

The international impressed sufficiently to secure a one-year contract and, the club believe, he is unlikely to be called up for France during the World Cup, when Sharks could lose up to 15 of their best players.

Director of rugby Philippe Saint-Andre said: "Julien has won 15 caps for France and there is a good chance he will be able to play for us during the World Cup.

"Munster came in with a very big offer for Julien but I am pleased he has signed for Sale Sharks."

Saint-Andre was keen to sign South African Keil after seeing him play for Gloucester against Saracens, during which the centre scored two tries.

"Rudi is a good addition to my squad," explained the Sharks coach. "He is a tough attacking centre who has experience playing in Super 14's with Natal Sharks. I first saw him play for Gloucester in the televised win over Saracens last November and when he became available, I made my move."

Though the club revealed to the Express several weeks ago that a new tighthead prop would be joining Sharks, his identity was not revealed until yesterday.

"Benoit is one to watch for the future," added Saint-Andre. "Agen and Stade Francais both wanted to sign him but thankfully he chose Sale Sharks."

Saint-Andre is continuing talks and is hoping to sign at least two more players in the near future.